Name: sweet potato casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes – Often mislabeled as “yams” in stores, but true yams have white flesh and rough brown skin. What you find in most grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes.; Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the filling and helps create a crisp, buttery streusel topping.; Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.; Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth.; Ground Nutmeg – A warm spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.; Eggs – Help bind the mixture, creating a smooth and structured filling.; Flour – Forms the base of the streusel topping, giving it a crumbly texture.; Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, complementing the pecan topping.; Pecans – Deliver a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

Description

Sweet potato casserole recipe with a rich, creamy filling and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday dinners!

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes – Often mislabeled as “yams” in stores, but true yams have white flesh and rough brown skin. What you find in most grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the filling and helps create a crisp, buttery streusel topping.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth.
Ground Nutmeg – A warm spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Eggs – Help bind the mixture, creating a smooth and structured filling.
Flour – Forms the base of the streusel topping, giving it a crumbly texture.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, complementing the pecan topping.
Pecans – Deliver a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

Instructions

1. Boil the Sweet Potatoes

A pot of sweet potatoes boiling on a stovetop, with steam rising from the water.

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil in a large pot of water for 20–25 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

A bowl of melted butter on a marble countertop.

A glass bowl with a mixture of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, butter, and chopped pecans, being stirred with a white spatula.

Melt the butter in a bowl. Stir in brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until clumpy. Add the chopped pecans and mix well.

3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cooked potatoes in a large bowl and mash until smooth using a fork or potato masher.

4. Mix the Filling

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes with a spoon, ready for a casserole.

Stir in melted butter, salt, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Mix well, then add the eggs and stir until combined. The mixture doesn’t have to be completely smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole

A white baking dish filled with assembled sweet potato casserole, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble.

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over the top.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use roasted sweet potatoes instead of boiled.
The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked before serving.
Adjust the sugar to taste for a sweeter or more balanced dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday casserole, Southern sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, baked sweet potatoes, easy casserole recipe, classic sweet potato casserole, creamy sweet potato dish, homemade casserole